The Idaho Wine Commission wrote an intriguing piece on smoke in Idaho vineyards for their blog. They sat down with Mike Williamson to find out about how smoke can be helpful and detrimental for Idaho grape growers. Read it here: Are Idaho grapes going up in smoke?
The Idaho Capital Sun wrote an interesting article about climate change and the apparent effects it may have on Idaho’s vineyards. They talked with a couple of Sunnyslope grape growers and an adjunct research scientist at Columbia University who studies drought and it’s effects on plants.
“As far as agriculture and climate change goes, wine is kind of the canary in the coalmine,” Benjamin Cook of Columbia University said. “It’s a perennial crop that sticks around every year, and it’s so sensitive to what’s happening with weather and the environment.”
Mike Williamson spoke to them about the importance of water conservation using drip irrigation, “We get better quality when we’re more water conscious, the fruit has better flavors, and you can get better colors,” Williamson said. “The trees and vines are both better balanced, and you get more intense flavors.”
Head on over to the fascinating article here: ‘Canary in the coalmine’: Climate change becoming big factor for Idaho winemakers
Brad Carlson of the Capital Press headed out to the Sunnyslope region to talk with grape growers about how the vineyard plantings have been increasing in acreage. Even with production steadily increasing since the 1990’s, Idaho still experiences more demand for Idaho grown grapes than supply. See what different growers had to say about the increasing quantity and quality of Idaho grapes.
Read the full article here: Way to Grow, Idaho wine industry
Lynsey Amundson of Idaho 6 News sat down with Beverly and asked about the family’s 112 year history of growing fruit and farming in the Sunnyslope area of Caldwell. Check out the video and article here: After four generations, Williamson Orchards and Vineyards now handcrafting award-winning wine
The wait is over for the 2021 Albariño! If you’re wine club, you can pick up a bottle right now. If you’re not yet a wine club member, it will be available to everyone staring June 30, 2021. We think you will love our newest white varietal.
Tasting Notes: Our second vintage of this wine is a lovely clear, bright, straw-hued wine. Interesting aromas of light pineapple, kiwi, and lemongrass greet you in the glass. Bright and zesty lemon and starfruit flavors change into a straw and barley flavor in the midpalate. This wine finishes with a burst of grapefruit and hints of jasmine on the tongue.
Food Pairings: Oysters on the half shell, lemon chicken piccata, new potatoes in butter and herbs, quiche Lorraine, and pasta salad with Italian flavor.
Wine club member price – $19.55
General public price – $23.00 (starting 6/30/21)
Stacy Slinkard of Decanter wrote a glowing article about Idaho Wine in both value and atmosphere. In the article, readers are reminded that we are “sharing a similar latitude with Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France”. Must be one of the reasons why the Syrah & Cabernet taste so good!
Read the full article here: Idaho wine: fresh, fruit-forward and great value.
The Idaho Wine Commission has come up with a terrific partnership with Idaho wineries and Idaho dairy. In August, spend $15 at a participating winery and get the following:
– Reusable, stemless wine glass
– Complimentary 5 oz pour
– Local cheese sampler from Dairy West
We’ve got the goods, come get it while they last!
This link will take you to the Idaho Wine Commission website and the list of all the wineries around the state that are participating.
Williamson Vineyards has joined with 9 other wineries on the Trail for the month of August. Each winery is offering a unique perk for Passport holders. We’re offering a 15% discount on wine purchases with a $5 for 5 wine tasting. Unlock access to exclusive offers at 10 participating wineries. This link takes you to your adventure on the Trail!
A couple of the many things that farmers know about are patience and planning. With wine; grapes have to grow, be tended, harvested and then made into the finished product before there is any retail transaction. If farming was to stop, many of us would feel effects very quickly. The Idaho Press 
interviewed Mike Williamson and other wine industry leaders to get an idea of what effects the Covid-19 virus was having on both the wine growing and retail side of wine industry.
The Idaho Wine Commission hosted a Wine Industry Bootcamp on September 24th and 25th. The purpose of the bootcamp was to introduce local wine stewards, restaurant staff, media, and tourism agencies to Idaho wineries and educate them about the Snake River Valley AVA. The bootcamp started bright and early with a stop in our vineyard. We greeted the campers with croissants and a glass of Riesling. After a few moments of introduction, we plunged into the rows of grapes to talk about our growing practices and pick grapes. While Mike and Patrick discussed soils and brix levels, guests got to sip on 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon and the brand new 2016 Malbec. Click here for full article.